How to sew a clean Corner hem finish
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How to sew a clean corner hem finish
A clean corner finish transforms a simple hem into a professional-looking detail. This technique is ideal for hems with openings or corners — such as shirt fronts, jacket vents, or coat hems — and ensures a neat result on both the right and wrong sides of the garment.
Materials needed
- Garment with hem allowance
- Matching thread
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Marking tool
Step-by-step instructions
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Prepare the hem
Fold the hem up by the desired hem height and press. Then fold 1 cm inward at the opening or corner and press. Finally, turn the hem right sides together with the garment, ready for stitching the corner.
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Stitch the corners
Stitch each side at 1 cm or 1.5 cm from the edge, according to your seam allowance. Sew precisely and backstitch at each end for a secure, clean corner seam.
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Mark the corner
Use a marking tool to clearly mark the corner point. A precise mark here ensures an accurate, sharp corner when the hem is turned — this small step makes a significant difference to the final result.
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Close the opening
Place the garment pieces right sides together and stitch down to the marked opening point. This closes the side seam down to the hem opening cleanly and accurately.
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Finish the hem
Turn the hem to the wrong side of the garment. Stitch close to the inner folded edge to secure the hem in place, then press thoroughly for a crisp, flat finish on both the inside and outside of the garment.
Pro tip
Trim excess fabric at the corners before turning and press thoroughly — trimming removes the bulk that causes corners to look rounded or lumpy, while pressing sets the shape so the corner turns out sharp and flat. Using a point turner after pressing pushes the corner fully out for the sharpest possible result.
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